Gareth Thomas (rugby)

Gareth Thomas CBE (born 25 July 1974) is a Welsh former professional rugby union and rugby league player, who represented Wales in both codes. Nicknamed "Alfie", he was the first Wales rugby union player to play in 100 test matches, and is currently the sixth-most capped Wales player. He is 15th among international try scorers, and is the third-highest Wales try scorer. He also won four rugby league caps for Wales, scoring three tries.

Gareth Thomas
CBE
Thomas in 2011
Date of birth (1974-07-25) 25 July 1974
Place of birthSarn, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
(now Sarn, Bridgend County Borough)
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight16 st 3 lb (227 lb; 103 kg)
Rugby league career
Position(s) Wing, Centre, Second-row
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–11 Crusaders RL 31 (28)
Correct as of 9 July 2011
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010 Wales 4 (12)
Correct as of 23 October 2010
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback, Wing, Centre
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Pencoed ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1994–1997 Bridgend 69 (175)
1997–2001 Cardiff RFC 76 (220)
2001–2003 Bridgend 43 (90)
2003–2004 Celtic Warriors 12 (30)
2004–2007 Toulouse 61 (100)
2007–2010 Cardiff Blues 60 (60)
Correct as of 6 February 2010
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
Wales Youth
Wales U21
Wales A
1995–2007 Wales 100 (200)
2005 British & Irish Lions 3 (5)
Correct as of 1 June 2008
National sevens team(s)
Years Team Comps
Wales

He played rugby union as a fullback, wing or centre for Bridgend, Cardiff, the Celtic Warriors, Toulouse, Cardiff Blues, and Wales. In 2010 he changed codes to rugby league when he transferred from Cardiff Blues to the Crusaders in Super League, and later played for Wales. He retired from rugby in October 2011.

Thomas came out as gay in December 2009. The following year he was voted the most influential gay person in the UK in The Independent on Sunday Pink List and received Stonewall's Hero of the Year award.

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